Customer Reviews

Growing Up Mostly Normal in the Middle of Nowhere: A Memoir

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As stated in his introduction, John Sheier's memoir is not about a life of crime, drugs, "the Underworld", abuse, survival or redemption. It is not about anything sensational that will attract undo attention and cause readers to rush the local mega-bookstore. Sheier is not going to appear on Oprah or, for that matter, Court TV. Growing Up Mostly Normal in the Middle of Nowhere is about growing up in extremely rural Pennsylvania; in a house on the side of a mountain.

I myself, grew up in rural Long Island, so I could relate to the story of a man traveling back to where he grew up and the memories associated with the return. The memoir is warm, reminiscent and captures our world in all its innocence. As we all know, today's world is less than innocent, so much so, that the feel of the book places the reader back to a much "simpler time", yet much of it is set only as far back as the late sixties and early seventies. It is fascinating for the author to take us back to that time period and compare it versus how time has been historically captured.

The stories of how John was brought up and how he was raised are riveting, often humorous, making the reader ponder, "What is normal, what is mostly normal, and what the aberration is?" I was left feeling that John Sheier's account of his own upbringing was refreshingly different than how most of us grew up.

If Sheier's book were to be serialized, it would have the feel of "The Waltons", and ironically Richard Thomas makes a cameo, during a high school field trip by the author to New York City!

I recommend this book, in the same way the author was motivated to write it: It is a wonderful peaceful, escape to the middle of nowhere, mentally bringing the reader in front of a cozy fire or under a mountain of quilts.

"A Moving Tale of Embracing the Past"
This terrific memoir follows the author as he revisits his past and discovers more about who he is and why turned out the way he did. Sheirer is a college professor with a secret--he grew up poor in a semi-hillbilly area. But the book reveals how he learned to embrace the contradictions of his past and present. Sheirer is a funny, tender, mature, and delightful writer who tells a unique and universal life story with sophisticated but accessible and beautiful language.

John Sheirer's memoir of returning home after many years away is a joy. He really shows how a somewhat sheltered and odd farm youth actually helped him develop into a down-to-earth, caring, college professor with strong values. Some sections had me laughing out loud while others brought me close to tears. As you might expect from someone who teaches memoir writing, it's exceptionally well written and structured better than any memoir I've ever read. This is not a famous writer, but anyone who likes to read thoughtful, reflective, passionate, humorous, loving, and readable writing will really appreciate this book.

Growing Up Mostly Normal in the Middle of Nowhere is one of those books that takes you by surprise. Quiet and humble in presentation, it captures you by the second page and holds you so tight that you couldn't wiggle free, even if you wanted to. With a grownup's affectionate - and ironic - perspective, Sheirer looks back on his adventures, trials, and tender self discoveries, and the result is a book so likable that you'll be tempted to see if you can track him down on Facebook and send him a friend request. The writing is modest and masterful; the story is charming and engaging. A delicious read!

The ease by which he tells his stories of growing up gives me the sense that I have lived right next door watching them all happen. Ordinary tales of his early life on the farm right up to his community college teaching in the Northeast and recent marriage turn extraordinary as his reflects on them. As a boy and man, he holds his own in both the classroom and the playground, his quick wit his best survival tactic through any adversity. And though I laughed and laughed on just about every page, no scene is more memorable to me than the moving arm-wrestling match between the author and his father. This is a must read for men (all the goods ones will relate) and for women who strive to better understand those good ones.

A good read if you are from S. E. PA, or a relation to SHEIRER family. Brings back alot of memories for people who moved away from Bedford county area.